Reuters/Reuters – Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdul Aziz listens to the national anthem as members of the Saudi security forces take part in a military parade in preparation â€¦more

Prince Mohammed, appointed in November after the death of his father, veteran Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, is best known as Saudi Arabiaâ€™s long-time security chief and has garnered the praise of Western governments for his role in the campaign against al Qaeda.

â€œThey affirmed the strong partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and discussed security and regional issues of mutual interest,â€ the White House said in a brief of the Oval Office talks between Obama and Prince Mohammed.

Seen as an ally of the West, Saudi Arabia – the worldâ€™s top oil exporter – has provided critical intelligence to foil al Qaeda plots, bankrolled pro-Western Arab governments and has supported Washingtonâ€™s attempts to isolate Iran over its nuclear program.

Prince Mohammedâ€™s appointment as interior minister lifted him into a critical role for the ruling al-Saud family and one that had only been held by the current ruling generation. Analysts say he is in tune with King Abdullahâ€™s cautious social and economic reforms partly aimed at making Saudi society more open to outside influence.